This study employs a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial design to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride nasal spray in the treatment of acute anxiety in adults.
Study Protocol: Patients meeting the criteria for acute anxiety who provided informed consent and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the placebo group or the study drug group and entered the double-blind study. Upon enrollment, baseline assessments were conducted to evaluate the number of accompanying symptoms, subjective anxiety severity (NRS), STAI-S-6, CGI-S, and RASS. Immediately following these assessments, patients received a nasal spray of 30 μg of dexmedetomidine or an equal-volume placebo; the time of administration was recorded as 0 minutes. At 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-administration, the NRS for subjective anxiety severity, CGI-S, and CGI-I were assessed. The count of accompanying symptoms, STAI-S-6, and RASS were re-assessed only at 15, 30, and 120 minutes post-administration. In addition, vital signs (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure) were assessed and recorded at baseline (prior to administration) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes post-administration. Venous blood samples were collected prior to administration and 90-120 minutes post-administration to measure biological markers. Adverse events were monitored during a 7-day follow-up period after treatment.